EA's Skate Gets Microtransactions Before Its Release Date

EA's upcoming Skate revival is incorporating microtransactions into its latest alpha test, as reported by Insider Gaming. Players in the closed alpha can now spend real money on "San Van Bucks," a virtual currency used to purchase cosmetic items. Full Circle, the developer, aims to refine the microtransaction system through player feedback, aiming for a positive purchasing experience by the early access launch. They've also confirmed that all progress will be reset before early access, with any purchases refunded as San Van Bucks redeemable upon relaunch.

Skate's early access launch is slated for 2025. Initially announced during EA Play in 2020 as a very early-stage project, Full Circle has consistently engaged the community through closed playtests and the "The Board Room" video series, providing regular updates on development progress. The game's official title, simply "skate," was revealed in 2022, alongside confirmation of its free-to-play model across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms.